New York, NY; January 9, 2015 – With stunning views of the Empire State Building in the background, Jane Seymour and her Open Hearts Foundation together with David Rocha and Jewelers for Children were honored last night for their commitment to giving back to the community.

Actress, artist and philanthropist Jane Seymour is the designer of the ‘Open Hearts by Jane Seymour’ jewelry collection and the founder of the Open Hearts Foundation that positively impacts young lives in the areas of wellness, education, sports and the arts. After receiving the GOOD Award, Seymour stated, “We have an opportunity to create positive social and cultural change with our collective desire to make a difference in the world. When we do that – everyone wins and the entire world can be impacted by doing just a little good.”

David Rocha, executive director of Jewelers for Children, exalted the jewelers he works with who “are constantly involved with helping others in the community – not for any personal recognition, but because it is their community and they truly care about making it a better place to live and work”. Their global story can be found here on the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s recently launched consumer site, www.diamondsdogood.com.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) established the GOOD Awards in 2012 to recognize individuals, organizations, and corporations in the diamond and jewelry industry for outstanding leadership in the areas of global citizenship, sustainability and promoting opportunity for others.

Phyllis Bergman, D.E.F’s President summed up the evening by saying “we are blessed to be working in an industry whose commitment to bettering the lives of others truly lets us say ‘diamonds do good’.”

New York, NY; December 1, 2014 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) today launched its new consumer-facing global website, diamondsdogood.com. Built in partnership with The Condé Nast Media Group, the site showcases the beauty, mystic and emotional resonance of diamonds and diamond jewelry, as well as the story behind the diamonds: how diamond revenues help drive positive change in communities where the industry does business.

“There has been a void in communication of the vast amount of good the industry does,” says D.E.F co-founder, Dr. Benjamin Chavis. “This website will help fill that void.”

DiamondsDoGood.com acknowledges the aggregate ongoing good of the global diamond and diamond jewelry industry. It is a real time interactive repository of the collective panoply of the good works and impacts of the industry. Initial programs profiled on the site include: how miner Rio Tinto brings water to rural villages in India; journeys of empowerment through education by three of D.E.F’s student scholars; enterprise-building in South Africa supported by The De Beers Group of Companies; educating women on maternal and children’s health in rural China, from retailer Chow Tai Fook; and giving back to children in need in the United States and globally, through Jewelers for Children.

The site takes the visitor through a gradual journey from the charitable giving and corporate social responsibility programs the diamond and jewelry industry embraces, to the origins of diamonds, to how they are interwoven in our lives. Says D.E.F co-founder, Russell Simmons, “Through a transparent diamond you can see an empowered community”.

Phyllis Bergman, D.E.F. president adds, “This new website shares the good news and great ideas surrounding diamonds in our lives.”

The website is supported through social media channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Additional programs from the industry will be featured throughout 2015. Development and the first phase of the website was made possible through a grant from the JCK Industry Fund.

New York, NY; October 21, 2014 – The board of directors of the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) today approved the granting of funds to its existing beneficiaries, the African Leadership Academy, Botswana Top Achievers Program, and CIDA City Campus, and added a $15,000 donation to the Tanzania-based Flaviana Matata Foundation (diamondempowerment.org).

“We are thrilled to be supporting these four amazing programs,” said Phyllis Bergman, president of DEF’s board of directors. “Each of these organizations has a mission of empowerment through education, which reflects the core of D.E.F’s mission. We are thankful for the support of our partners and look forward to continuing to spread the message that through the industry’s efforts, ‘Diamonds Do Good’.”

The $240,000 is the result of funds raised by D.E.F’s Diamonds In The Sky Las Vegas event held at the Four Seasons Hotel this past May. D.E.F received a tremendous outpouring of support by the industry, including Premier Presenting Sponsors De Beers Group of Companies, Rio Tinto Diamonds, and Signet Jewelers Limited (Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Zales Jewelers). Joining them were Premier Partner Sponsor Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, and Premier Patron Sponsors KGK Group, Le Vian Group and Tiffany & Co. A full listing of sponsors can be found on diamondsintheskylasvegas.org.

DEF’s first beneficiary, CIDA City Campus, is South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree. CIDA has an 80% employment rate among graduates. The African Leadership Academy is a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent. Students come from all 54 countries in Africa. The Botswana Top Achievers program provides the top high school students countrywide the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development. The Flaviana Matata Foundation was founded by Flaviana Matata, an international fashion model and D.E.F. Ambassador. The Foundation seeks to create a future through education and improve livelihoods among the youth in Tanzania.

In an effort to further communicate the positive impact the industry has on diamond communities, D.E.F will be highlighting scholars from each of its existing beneficiary programs on its consumer facing ‘DiamondsDoGood.Com’ website, currently in development with Condé Nast Media Group and set to launch in late 2014. D.E.F. Scholars will also be in attendance at the upcoming GOOD Awards (www.goodawards.org) to be held in New York City on January 8. The good works of Jane Seymour and her Open Hearts Foundation together with David Rocha and Jewelers for Children will be honored at the event.

New York, NY; October 14, 2014 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund is pleased to add two global industry leaders to its board of directors: David Prager, Head of Corporate Affairs for the De Beers Group of Companies, and Kent Wong Siu Kee, Managing Director of Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited.

David Prager lends D.E.F his insight into the expectations of consumers and the corresponding pressures on production. His work across geographies and with a diverse set of stakeholders that includes civil society, media and governments will be especially helpful as D.E.F expands its ‘diamonds do good’ mission to global communities.

“Diamonds are a finite resource, pushing us to ensure we are using them to add value to the communities we work in, the infrastructure we rely on, and the colleagues we work with. Since its founding, D.E.F has helped the industry shine a light on the positive role diamonds play in the journey from mine to finger – enabling consumers to be proud of the diamonds they own,” states Prager.

Kent Wong broadens D.E.F’s worldwide representation to the important, and growing, diamond and jewelry sector in Hong Kong and Mainland China. A veteran with substantial experience in both operations and management in the jewelry industry, Wong was named one of the “25 Influential Chinese in Global Fashion” by world-renowned business magazine Forbes in 2012.

An active leader across Hong Kong and mainland China’s industry associations, Wong supports the mission of D.E.F. “As a vertically integrated jewelry retailer that is active in all aspects of the diamond and jewelry supply chain, we understand the importance of supporting communities along the diamond’s journey. I am eager to help further extend D.E.F’s mission and communicate to consumers around the world these good works,“ he says.

Phyllis Bergman, president of the D.E.F. board of directors and CEO of Mercury Ring, is thrilled by the global diversity of D.E.F’s board. “With the addition of David and Kent on our board, D.E.F is truly representative of the global diamond and jewelry industry.”

April 8, 2014 – Norwalk, CT – JCK announced today that Diamond Empowerment Fund would be one of eight recipients of its 16th annual Industry Fund for 2014. The grants are awarded to individuals, groups, or associations whose work results in the betterment of the overall jewelry industry.

Diamond Empowerment Fund Executive Director, Nancy Orem Lyman said, “Through our ‘Diamonds do Good’ mission, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) serves as an advocate for the good works of the industry. D.E.F. sees an opportunity to connect this message directly with consumers, especially the socially-minded millennial consumer. We also see a need to excite these consumers with the beauty, mystic, rarity and emotional resonance of diamonds. D.E.F. applied for a grant to the JCK Industry Fund to help us develop an online platform that speaks directly to consumers with these intertwined messages. Through this online platform consumers will view diamonds as a way to celebrate life’s small and large milestones while simultaneously creating an impact on the quality of life for diamond communities around the world. We think this is a really big idea, and are very thankful to the JCK Industry Fund for agreeing and supporting our vision.”

]]>http://www.diamondempowerment.org/2014/07/diamond-empowerment-fund-receives-jck-industry-grant/feed/0Diamonds In The Sky Las Vegas Raises Over $1 Million To Support Diamonds Do Good Missionhttp://www.diamondempowerment.org/2014/06/diamonds-sky-las-vegas-raises-1-million-support-diamonds-good-mission/
http://www.diamondempowerment.org/2014/06/diamonds-sky-las-vegas-raises-1-million-support-diamonds-good-mission/#commentsWed, 04 Jun 2014 16:48:54 +0000http://www.diamondempowerment.org/?p=6381

Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2, 2014 – On May 29th, 2014, on the eve of the opening of JCK Las Vegas, the world’s largest diamond and jewelry trade show, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) brought together a unique mix of the international diamond jewelry industry, government officials from diamond producing nations, government dignitaries and celebrities. In D.E.F’s first U.S. based gala event, the organization raised over $1 million dollars to benefit its global mission. D.E.F supports initiatives and programs that help diamond communities throughout the world. (www.diamondempowerment.org).

Guests were treated to an intimate performance by music icon Chaka Khan while mingling with celebrities including Jaime King, Otis Williams of the Temptations, Denise Nicholas and pop music artist Mair. The emcee for the evening was Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., civil rights leader and D.E.F. advisor.

D.E.F. presented the 2014 Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award to His Excellency, the Honorable President Ian Khama and the Government of the Republic of Botswana, the largest producer of diamonds by value in the World. Accepting on behalf of the Republic of Botswana, the Honorable Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Kitso Mokaila stated, “Our mineral wealth is a catalyst for improving the lives of our people. We will always associate with the Diamond Empowerment Fund for the many initiatives they take to ensure countries like ours are able to do what is necessary for its people”. While presenting the award to Minister Mokaila, Michael Barnes, CEO of Signet Jewelers Limited stated “Signet has been a supporter of D.E.F. since its inception in 2007 and we are committed to engaging our peers and our suppliers in D.E.F’s industry-wide initiative of corporate social responsibility. Our customers expect this of us. Our employees and others expect this of us. But quite frankly, we expect this of ourselves. We need to do this because it is the right thing to do”.

The program was opened with welcoming remarks s by D.E.F’s co-founders, Russell Simmons and Philippe Mellier, CEO The De Beers Group of Companies. “I am pleased to welcome the industry leaders to Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas. Former President Nelson Mandela encouraged us to establish D.E.F to empower people in diamond communities throughout the world. We are here tonight to celebrate that a diamond equals love”, said Russell Simmons. Philippe Mellier reaffirmed this emotional connection, “the diamond moment when a man makes a commitment to a woman that will last a lifetime, drives everything we do. De Beers and Forevermark believe deeply in the power of diamonds to transform communities and build countries and through our five decades of partnership with Botswana we know first hand how diamonds can be harnessed to strengthen a democracy, elevate a people and secure a country’s future. D.E.F. was founded on this premise and as a founding member we continue this legacy of support and partnership through the Forevermark Promise Scholars Program”.

Phyllis Bergman, D.E.F’s President of the Board stated, “Tonight, the monies that we raise will be used not only to enable D.E.F to support our existing beneficiaries, to add new ones & to insure D.E.F’s growth, but to continue to be a progressive and socially conscious organization focused on supporting the good initiatives carried on in all the countries in the world that benefit from the diamond and diamond jewelry business. We will bring this message to consumers globally under our new ‘Diamonds Do Good’ platform”.

Bruno Sané, Global Marketing Director for Rio Tinto Diamonds, introduced D.E.F’s new Global Diamonds Do Good video. Bruno Sané highlighted the importance of D.E.F’s new initiative in communicating to consumers how diamonds have a positive legacy. “We are also here as a sign of commitment that together we will communicate to consumers that diamonds are a global force for good that make a lasting difference for the communities in which we mine, in which we manufacture and sell diamonds.”

The elegant affair will bring together a unique mix of the international diamond jewelry industry, government officials from diamond producing nations, and celebrities from fashion and entertainment. The proceeds will benefit D.E.F.’s ‘Diamonds Do Good’ mission of supporting higher education initiatives and corporate social responsibility efforts in diamond communities.

An existing D.E.F. Empowerment Circle Partner, an integral aspect of Tiffany’s mission has always been its commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. “Doing good is not an afterthought, it’s part of Tiffany’s DNA and it is through support of organizations like Diamond Empowerment Fund that we are able to impact society and contribute to the sustainability of the communities where we source these precious gems,” said Tiffany & Co. executive vice president and COO James Fernandez.

Added Phyllis Bergman, president of D.E.F.’s board of directors; “We are thrilled to welcome such a well respected company such as Tiffany & Co. as a sponsor of Diamonds in the Sky. We encourage other industry leaders to consider supporting this important event that celebrates the good that diamonds do.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons and leaders in the diamond industry in 2007. For more information on sponsorship opportunities at Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas, please contact Executive Director Nancy Orem Lyman at n.lyman@diamondempowerment.org.

About the Diamond Empowerment Fund
The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) is a New York based global non-profit organization that raises money to fund education initiatives in diamond communities across the world. Its 2014 beneficiaries include: African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa, founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, and the Botswana Top Achievers program that provides the top high school students in Botswana the opportunity to study at a university of their choice worldwide. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development. To-date, D.E.F has given over $2,000,000 to help fund the education of over 2,000 students from diamond communities. www.diamondempowerment.org.

About Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. operates jewelry stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Russia, Europe and the United Arab Emirates and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalogue and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit www.tiffany.com.

New York, NY; January 29, 2014 – Signet Jewelers Ltd. – the largest specialty jewelry retailer in the US and UK, trading primarily under the store brands of Kay Jewelers and Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry in the US – will support the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) as the first Premier Presenting Sponsor of the “Diamonds in the Sky” Gala Event on May 29th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The event will bring together a unique mix of the international diamond jewelry industry, government officials from diamond producing nations, dignitaries and celebrities from fashion and entertainment. The proceeds will benefit D.E.F’s ‘Diamonds Do Good’ mission of providing higher education scholarships for youth from diamond producing countries.

Presentation of the Diamond Empowerment Fund 2014 Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award will be made to H.E. President Ian Khama and the Government of the Republic of Botswana in recognition of their global leadership and contributions to democracy, sustainable economic development and the growth and expansion of the international diamond industry. “On behalf of the Republic of Botswana, we are grateful for this global recognition by the Diamond Empowerment Fund,” said H.E. Tebelelo Seretse, Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States.

Michael Barnes, CEO of Signet Jewelers Ltd., said, “We have been supporters of D.E.F. and its mission from its founding in 2007 and are honored to be a Premier Presenting Sponsor. We look forward to joining others in honoring H.E. President Ian Khama and the Representatives from the Government of the Republic of Botswana.”

Added Phyllis Bergman, President of D.E.F’s board of directors; “We are thrilled to congratulate Signet as the first Premier Presenting Sponsor for D.E.F on this occasion. We encourage other industry leaders to consider sponsorship opportunities of this important event which celebrates the ‘good diamonds do’.”

The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons and leaders in the diamond industry in 2007. For more information on sponsorship opportunites at Diamonds In The Sky Las Vegas, please contact Executive Director Nancy Orem Lyman at n.lyman@diamondempowerment.org or visit www.diamondsintheskylasvegas.org.

New York, NY; January 23rd, 2014 – Three companies have joined forces in a cross promotional endeavor benefitting the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.). Announcing the launch of www.DiamondEmpowermentJewelry.com, D.E.F. Designer Ambassadors Donna Distefano, Lita Asscher, and Derrick Holmes have each created signature collections featuring diamonds that are available for sale online. Targeting consumers and retailers, Diamond Empowerment Jewelry will make a donation to the Diamond Empowerment Fund for every single purchase made through the newly launched website, furthering the communication that ‘diamonds do good’.

Catching on with celebrities, Diamond Empowerment Jewelry has been seen on actress Paula Garces of Devious Maids and All My Children, actress Stephanie March of Law and Order fame, music legend Otis Williams and Grammy-award winning singer, Estelle.

Co-founded by global business entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons along with leaders in the diamond industry including De Beers, the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to provide higher education opportunities for youth in diamond producing countries.

Donna Distefano provides her new line of “Illumination” bracelets depicting African designs in sterling silver with diamonds. Each bracelet represents a core value of D.E.F.: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Says Simmons, “I share these designer’s vision of transformation. It is important to support and encourage the youth in all diamond producing countries to make a positive change in the world.”

Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher presents the D.E.F. Green Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant, part of the Shining Stars of Africa Collection by Royal Asscher. The pendant contains green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing the jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a globe. The design won ‘best in show’ at the world famous JCK jewelry show and is an example of the Asscher family’s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality, and giving back.

Derrick Holmes of Benjamin Banneker offers three new Benjamin Banneker watches featuring a Royal Asscher diamond at twelve o’clock, green crystals on the face and bezel, and natural ebony from Indonesia or mahogany from Madagascar on the face and band.

New York, NY; January 14th, 2014 – With stunning views overlooking the Empire State Building and the Flatiron District of New York City, the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) on Thursday honored diamond industry leaders who are committed to corporate social responsibility and promoting education, empowerment, and prosperity in diamond-producing countries.

DEF’s GOOD Awards were given to industry luminaries Forevermark, JCK, and Fred Meyer Jewelers. Stephen Lussier, CEO of Forevermark, Peter Engel, president of Fred Meyer Jewelers, and Yancy Weinrich, JCK group vice president of events, and Mark Smelzer, publisher of JCK magazine and JCKOnline.com, accepted on behalf of their organizations.

The event was kicked off with an African ceremonial dance by native Batswana dancers. D.E.F Scholar Nadine Zoro from Cote d’Ivoire, who is attending university at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, affirmed the importance of higher education to help transform the economies of diamond producing countries, and thanked the diamond industry’s support of the Diamond Empowerment Fund. Ambassadors from Namibia and Botswana were in attendance, as well as representation by the Democratic Republic of Congo.

New York, NY; January 10th, 2014 – At last night’s GOOD Awards, Forevermark, the luxury diamond brand from the De Beers group of companies, announced a multi-year partnership with the Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F), joining D.E.F’s Empowerment Circle at the Infinity level. “With an aligned mission of bringing sustainable benefits to the people and communities in diamond producing nations in Africa, our partnership with D.E.F. will help us further deliver on our commitment to responsible sourcing,” said Stephen Lussier, CEO of Forevermark.

It was also announced that Forevermark and the Diamond Empowerment Fund will launch the Forevermark Promise Scholars Program in 2014. Students from D.E.F’s three beneficiaries, African Leadership Academy, Botswana Top Achievers Program and CIDA City Campus, will be supported through their academic journey through the Forevermark Promise Scholars Program. “This partnership is an effective way for Forevermark and D.E.F. to provide scholarships to young emerging leaders exemplifying the good that diamonds can do,” says D.E.F. President Phyllis Bergman.

Forevermark was one of the honorees at last night’s GOOD Awards in New York City for global leadership and making a positive difference for communities around the world. Forevermark diamonds are carefully selected and come from sources committed to the highest business, social and environmental standards. This ensures that Forevermark diamonds are a force for good, benefiting the people, communities and countries from which they originate. Only once a diamond has met these rigorous standards of integrity, in addition to strict quality criteria, can it be inscribed as a Forevermark diamond with an individual number and brand icon.

The Empowerment Circle was established in 2013 to help D.E.F. fulfill its mission to develop the next generation of leaders in diamond producing nations. The three levels of Empowerment Circle Partnerships are; Infinity – a multi-year major contribution that includes Forevermark; Perennial – an annual major contribution that includes the Dalumi Group and Malca-Amit Secure Logistics; and Meridian, an annual supporter contribution that includes Tiffany & Co., Exelco Diamonds (Tolkowsky Diamonds), Leo Schachter Diamonds (the Leo Diamond), Brilliant Earth and Sarine Technologies. For more information, please visit www.diamondempowerment.org

New York, NY; December 5, 2013 – A fixture in New York nightlife, DJ M.O.S. has emerged as one of the most sought after DJs in the world and can be regularly heard playing at exclusive clubs in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, Paris, Oslo and Tokyo. On January 9th, 2014 DJ M.O.S. will spin his celebrated music at the Empire Penthouse Lounge at 230 Fifth during the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s 3rd Annual GOOD Awards.

DJ M.O.S’ celebrity clients include Bill Clinton and Kanye West. He has been featured in a breadth of national publications including New York Post, Us Weekly, OK! Magazine, Star Magazine, New York Daily News, and Gotham Magazine and was recently on ABC’s Good Morning America.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund established the GOOD Awards in 2012 to recognize individuals and corporations in the diamond and jewelry industry for outstanding leadership in the areas of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, and promoting opportunity in Africa. Forevermark, JCK, and Fred Meyer Jewelers will be honored at this year’s event.

For more information on tickets, journal ads and sponsorship packages please visit www.goodawards.org.